Past Betrayals, Past Loves Read online

  Mermeshu and Intef spoke of the Hyksos who controlled the north and of the troubles in the south. Many men competed for the Double Crown but only one could wear it. Mermeshu had come to ask for men, supplies and coins. He believed with the army’s backing he could win the crown and drive the usurpers from the land.

  Bits of their conversation entered Seshat’s awareness. For twenty years the land had been torn asunder by men who wished to be pharaoh. Then came the Hyksos with their chariots and armies. Only a united Egypt could repel them.

  Seshat had no care for tales of war or warnings of battles to come. Her body throbbed with a desire she didn’t fully understand.

  When the meal ended Nefru signaled the salves to remove the tables. “Mermeshu and Intef, would you like to stroll in the gardens?”

  The men rose to follow her. Seshat paused beside her father’s chair. “Do you wish me to play the harp?” Though she wanted to join the others her first duty was to him.

  “Go to the garden.” He patted her cheek. “Star of my last days, you have your mother’s heart.”

  Seshat kissed him on the forehead and strolled into the garden. Nefru walked with a hand on each man’s arm Tiy was nowhere to be seen. Had Nefru sent her away? The trio paused beside the lotus pool.

  “Alas, my father has no sons or male kindred,” Nefru said. “The man I choose to wed will be fortunate. All this will be his.”

  “And your sisters,” Mermeshu asked. “Have they no share in your father’s wealth?”

  Nefru snorted. “Daughters of concubines have no standing. They will be granted what I give them.”

  Intef laughed. “Don’t you mean what your husband gives them?”

  Nefru smiled. “He will be so enchanted with me he will do as I wish.”

  Seshat joined them in time to hear her sister’s comments. Anger sizzled through her body. “Nefru, you can insult me but not my mother. She was wife to our father, duly witnessed in the temple.”

  Nefru giggled. “I’d forgotten. She was only a second wife and brought nothing of value to the marriage.”

  “She was a princess.”

  “So she said.”

  Seshat bit her lip. Quarreling with Nefru before their guests was in poor taste. She looked up. Mermeshu grinned. Heat seared her core. He stepped away from her sister and took Seshat’s arm.

  “Come and enjoy the beauty of the garden,” he said. “The night and the company are too lovely for heated words. Your father said the garden was your realm.”

  ”And the fields and herds,” Nefru said. “She acts as though she’s father’s son or overseer.”

  “And for that reason I must leave,” Seshat said. “Harvest time is upon us and I have much to do.”

  Mermeshu leaned toward her. “Pleasant dreams.” He lightly caressed her arm.

  * * *

  As Seshat strolled away Mermeshu watched the graceful sway of her hips. He had to possess her. Though Intef had spoken of the advantages of a marriage to the nomarch’s daughter by his first wife, Mermeshu had no desire for Nefru. He’d seen the courtesy Seshat had shown her father. Unlike her older sister Seshat had lingered to make sure of her father’s comfort. She was sweet and dutiful, yet there was a banked fire in her dark eyes. He wanted to be the one to stir the embers into flames.

  She had none of Nefru’s boldness. The way her older sister ogled him had made him feel like a slave on the block. He believed he could take her here in the garden and then watch while Intef enjoyed her lush body.

  “The day has been long.” He yawned. “I’ll see you both in the morning.” He strode back to the house. Let Intef have Nefru. His friend had a liking for short women with rounded hips and melon breasts.

  Some time later Intef woke Mermeshu. “My friend, you missed an enlightening time. You’ll have no trouble claiming Nefru as your wife and the wealth she brings. Surely you will become the next pharaoh.”

  Mermeshu eyed his friend’s rumpled kilt. “Seems she prefers you.”

  Intef laughed. “She likes men. All she spoke of was you and how she would enjoy ruling the Two Lands at your side.”

  Mermeshu rubbed his arms. “And you encouraged her.”

  “What else could I do?”

  “Marry her and try for the Double Crown.”

  Intef shook his head. “I could but I’m a practical man. You have the army behind you. I’ll be content to be your vizier.”

  How often had they discussed this plan? The schemes were nearing completion but he no longer had a desire to see them reach fruition. “I…”

  Intef nodded. “Desire the beautiful Seshat. Fear now, you can have them both. Once Nefru gives you a son you need not spend time with her.”

  Mermeshu nodded. His real problem was he wasn’t sure he wanted any woman but Seshat. “Let me think about our direction. We came for Sehetep’s support not the daughters. We should see what he offers before I begin a courtship of Nefru.”

  Intef clasped Mermeshu’s shoulder. “You must do what is best for the Two Lands.”

  * * *

  When her father led Mermeshu into the room where she kept the tallies Seshat’s breath caught. His fingers brushed her hand and her breasts felt heavy. His eyes caressed her body. Her heart fluttered like the wings of a bird in flight. Heat pooled in her belly.

  “Show Mermeshu the tallies for the fields, flocks and herds,” Sehetep said. “Intef and I will examine the warriors of the nome.”

  Once her father left she wanted to run after him and she wanted to feel Mermeshu’s arms around her. Today he wore no tunic. She stared at his tanned muscular chest and wondered if his body was as hard as it appeared. She inhaled his scent, a musky odor that tantalized. She walked toward the door.

  “Don’t go. I may have some questions.”

  Seshat went to the chest where the papyrus was stored and removed the scrolls for the harvest and placed them on the small table where light from outside allowed him to read. She studied his broad shoulders and the way his muscles moved as he read.

  He finished the last of the tallies and stood. A wave of disappointment swept over her. “Have you no questions?”

  He stepped behind her and caressed her shoulders. “I have two.” He slid his hands over her shoulders to cup her breasts. “Do you feel what pulses between us?”

  Though she should step away the warmth of his hands made her nipples bud. “Yes.”

  “Will you come to the garden after moonrise to meet me?” One hand slid to stroke her abdomen.

  The sensations storming her body stole her breath. She sighed and leaned against him. “I want to but…”

  “Be my star tonight.”

  His breath whispered against her nape. “I will come.” He pressed her against his groin. She felt his body change. A hardness pressed against her. “Oh.”

  “You feel my desire. Tonight you will know the power of my love.” His lips brushed across her shoulders. “Until tonight.” He strode away.

  Seshat sank on her stool. She felt fevered. She hovered at the edge of a discovery that excited and scared her. She gulped water and gathered her wandering with. As she stored the scrolls she rubbed the ones he’d touched over her lips. The scent of him lingered and filled her with longing.

  Thanks be to Hathor. He wants me. He holds my heart in his warrior hands. She prayed he wouldn’t crush the soul of her life. May he spend the day with thoughts of me. Tonight, She gathered this thought close and returned to her work.

  When the day ended and she reached her sleeping room she found Tiy pacing. “What’s wrong, little sister?”

  “That Nefru.”

  “What has she done?”

  “Banished me from taking the evening meal in the large hall. Just because Intef smiled and remarked on my skill with a bow. Since I don’t behave like a lady I must eat in the small hall. Then when she heard Father had left Mermeshu with you, she spat like an angry cat.”

  Seshat shook her head. “I fear Nefru desires a life of unhappiness.
”

  Tiy sat on Seshat’s sleeping couch. “What did Mermeshu do? What did he say?”

  “He examined the harvest tallies.” She would keep his words and caresses secret.

  “That’s all. I saw the hungry look in his eyes last night. He left the garden soon after you. I hid in the bushes and watched Nefru and Intef. She rubbed his body and kissed his man thing. Pit it in her mouth. He made funny noises. Then he acted like a baby and suckled her breasts. He pulled her robe up and did things to her private parts. She moaned and cried for Mermeshu.”

  Seshat grasped Tiy’s arms. “You shouldn’t spy.” She walked to the door. Tiy followed her to the bathing room. “I’ll eat the evening meal with you.”

  “And miss being with the guests?” Tiy asked.

  To spend the lengthy mealtime in Mermeshu’s presence might make her betray herself. “They have come to see Father. After we eat I’ll help you with harp lessons.”

  “Good.”

  They walked to the bathing room and encountered the last person Seshat wanted to see. She clenched her hands and prayed there wouldn’t be another quarrel with her older sister. “I will not eat in the main room tonight,” Seshat said.

  Nefru smiled and rose from the table where her maid had oiled her body. “An important decision should be reached this evening.” Her sly can’t smile didn’t hide the hatred in her eyes. “When Father dies, Seshat, beware your fate. You have no kin to protect you. Tiy will be my handmaiden and you will be my slave.” She caressed her breasts. “Mermeshu will be mind. Intef said the Commander of the Army finds me most pleasing.”

  Seshat turned away. Nefru was clever at finding ways to gain her desires. Would she steal Mermeshu’s love?

  * * *

  Mermeshu wished the evening meal would end. Dish after dish was offered. Where was Seshat? Would she be at the pool or had she changed her mind? Surely he hadn’t misunderstood her response to his touch. Just thinking about her made his groin tighten and his erection pulse.

  Sehetep leaned back in his chair. Tonight Mermeshu sat in the seat usually taken by the first wife. The nomarch clapped his hands. “Nefru, since Seshat is ailing, play the harp while I discuss what I will give these men and what I expect from them.”

  The rippling notes formed a background for the discussion. Mermeshu focused his attention on the older man’s offer. Though marriage wasn’t mentioned was this the string attached to such generosity?

  When the older man rose Nefru suggested a garden walk. Mermeshu shook his head. “I have much to consider. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  She rose. Light from the torches shone through the sheer linen of her dress. Mermeshu tensed. Was Nefru the bait Sehetep dangled? She was too willing to be seduced. As she glided away her rounded buttocks moved in a sensuous dance. He groaned. Slender women were to his taste. He also preferred women who enjoyed being chased and captured not those who pursued.

  Intef followed him to the doorway. “Soon she will be yours. Why not sample her generous bounty?”

  Since you’re so entranced with her charms make her yours. Keep her amused tonight. Take her to your room.”

  “She will only toy with me for she wants the Commander of the Army and the chance to wed the pharaoh.”

  His friend touched his shoulder. “Take care. The spite of a rejected woman can be as poisonous as the sting of an asp.’

  Though Intef was right Mermeshu only wanted Seshat. Nefru repelled him. He wiped his hands on his kilt. Tonight he would bind Seshat with cords of love. Once she was enmeshed in the web, he would find a way to keep her. He might need to do what he didn’t want but she would enter his woman’s court.

  He glanced into the garden and saw the moon had risen. Intef paused. “Are you sure you are doing the right thing?”

  “Yes. Go to Nefru. We’ll talk in the morning.” He strode to his sleeping room and removed his kilt and pectoral. After sponging his body wearing just a loin cloth he strode to the garden.

  As he neared the pool he listened to the sounds of the night and remained alert for foreign noises. He saw Seshat. His erection pulsed against his loin cloth. He wanted to seize and toss her to the ground and thrust into her woman’s passage. He gulped deep breaths. This was not the time for haste. If his desires were to be answered as he wished he must win her heart. But her presence in the garden assured him she was his for tonight and hopefully for as long as he desired.

  * * *

  Seshat heard a sound and looked around. Mermeshu stepped into view. Her body hummed with the desires he’d stirred that morning. She plucked one of the lotus blossoms and offered the flower to him,

  He took the bloom, kissed each petal and brushed the blossom over her lips. Her gaze locked with his. The soft petals caressed her breasts.

  “You are as lovely as the Evening Star,” he said. “You have captured my heart.”

  “You are the hawk of Horus. You warm me like the blazing sun.”

  He placed the flower on the water and gathered her into his arms. His tongue touched her lips. “You taste of wine and honey. Your scent is sweet and heady. I would feast on your bounty.”

  She stared into his eyes. “Warrior, your arms are mental bands holding a prisoner who has no desire to escape.”

  He nibbled on her lips. His tongue explored the seam of her mouth. He grasped her hips and pressed her against his engorged staff. The hardness of his body made her shiver in anticipation of what was to come and of the passion she had never tasted. Her lips parted. His tongue slid into her mouth and moved with a rhythm her body captured.

  She met him thrust for thrust. Her hands moved along his arms and circled his shoulders. Seeking, wanting, she pressed closer. Her nipples brushed the skin of his chest. He inched the skirt of her tunic up. Cool air brushed her legs, then her buttocks. The heat rising from his hands as they caressed her flesh sent flames along her skin.

  He drew back. She reached for him. “Don’t leave me.”

  “Not this night. Seshat, my star, we must find a better place. I won’t take you on the ground.”

  She returned to his arms. “Come to my room.”

  He rained kisses on her face. “What about your sisters and your maid?”

  “Bastet sleeps in her wall chamber. My room is far from those of my sisters. Don’t you want me? I am new to live or I would have found a better place for us to meet.”

  He grasped her hand and pressed her fingers against his loincloth. “Feel how much I desire you.”

  She stroked his male organ through the cloth and knew what would happen. He would cover her the way a bull covered the cows.

  He groaned and the sound delighted her. She raised her head and touched his lips with hers. His arms tightened and she moved. He growled. “Show me to your room before I have you here.”

  Hand in hand they returned to the house and made their way to her sleeping chamber. A single lamp cast a circle of pale light. He loosened the straps of her tunic and slid the cloth over her hips. His hands stroked her body. His teeth nipped her lips.

  She unfastened his loincloth and touched the head of his engorged penis. She closed a handover the shaft and stroked the sac. Should she take him into her mouth the way Tiy had seen Nefru take Intef? His breath came in rapid gasps. “Not yet, my star. Let me show you passion.”

  Mermeshu lifted her. He laid her on the sleeping couch. “Bend your knees so I can kneel between your thighs.” When she did he stroked the inner surfaces. He leaned forward and ran his lips over her forehead down to her mouth. He nibbled on her lips and sucked her tongue.

  She reached to draw him closer. As a storm of sensations swept over her she cried of her desire. “Mermeshu, cover me as the bull covers the cow.”

  He raised his head. “In time but first let me worship your body.”

  His words, the feel of his flesh against hers made her yearn to be one with him. To be loved was wonderful. To be worshipped brought sensations she’d never known and wished would last forever.

>   His lips moved from her mouth. He nuzzled her neck and ran his tongue over her throat. When he drew one nipple into his mouth she moved restlessly beneath him. Soft cries poured from her mouth. He took her other breast between his lips. When he suckled he rolled her other nipple between his fingers.

  Something exploded inside her. An exquisite pleasure filled her. She pressed her hand against her mouth to keep from screaming. Somehow the effort to hold back her cries intensified the moment.

  Mermeshu continued his assault on her body. His tongue circled her navel, and then flicked inside. He moved closer to the place that pulsed, the place she had rubbed to bring pleasure. She spread her legs wider and raised her head to watch. When his tongue flicked she fell back and allowed the fire to consume her.

  She felt his fingers probe. “Please, please,” she whispered. She lifted her legs and rested them on his shoulders. He raised her hips, sucked and stroked.

  She began to move. He lowered her and thrust inside. She gasped. His mouth covered hers and caught her cries. The instant of pain faded. She savored the feeling of fullness. He moved, slowly at first and then with a frenzied tempo. She moved with him.

  She felt as thought a fountain of steam built inside and was about to tear her body apart, His mouth sealed over hers. She erupted. Her muscles contracted and he spewed his seed. He rolled to his side and pulled her into a tight embrace.

  Once her breath slowed she kissed his chin, his cheeks and his mouth. “Mermeshu, my warrior, I love you.”

  “And I love you my evening star.” He stroked her back and drew away. I would love you again but this time is too soon for one newly come to pleasure. Let me leave before I fall asleep and am discovered here.”

  “Will you return tomorrow?”